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  1. Find the order of every element in the symmetry group of the square, .

Ask by Page Vega. in the United States
Mar 30,2025

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Answer

The orders of the elements in the symmetry group of the square are as follows:
  • Identity ( ): Order 1
  • Rotation by ( ): Order 4
  • Rotation by ( ): Order 2
  • Rotation by ( ): Order 4
  • Reflections ( , , , ): Each has Order 2

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The Deep Dive

In the symmetry group of the square, denoted as , there are 8 distinct elements, each representing a different symmetry. The elements include 4 rotations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) and 4 reflections (horizontal, vertical, and along the two diagonals). The orders of these elements are as follows:
  • The identity element (0° rotation) has an order of 1.
  • The 90° rotation has an order of 4, as it must be applied 4 times to return to the initial position.
  • The 180° rotation has an order of 2, as it returns to the original orientation after being applied twice.
  • The 270° rotation (or equivalently -90°) also has an order of 4.
  • Each reflection (horizontal, vertical, and along the diagonals) has an order of 2, as reflecting twice brings one back to the original configuration.
So, summarizing: orders are 1 (identity), 4 (90° and 270° rotations), 2 (180° rotation and each reflection).

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